From advancing brain health research to establishing a new medical center, here is how five health systems are spending donations, as reported by Becker’s since Oct. 6.
1. Michael Jordan donated $10 million to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, N.C., in honor of his mother. Mr. Jordan’s gift will help advance brain health research. Institute patients will also receive advanced care through technology, expert physicians and programs for complex conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and spine treatment. An unveiling and dedication will be held in early 2026 for the Novant Health Deloris Jordan Neuroscience Institute.
2. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health is establishing a new medical center in Rapid City, S.D., with the help of a $300 million gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford. Construction on Sanford Black Hills Medical Center, a 480,000-square-foot facility, is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is expected to be completed by 2030.
3. Los Angeles-based UCLA Health is expanding capacity at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center with a $20 million commitment from the Steven C. Gordon Family Foundation. The renovation project will convert the fourth floor of the medical center into the Laurie and Steven C. Gordon Pavilion, which will include 103 beds for adult and pediatric critical and acute care patients. The move will increase inpatient capacity at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center by 23%.
4. Northwestern Lake Forest (Ill.) Hospital was renamed Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital. The hospital was renamed for Catherine Gratz Griffin, a former Lake Forest resident, following a gift from her son, Kenneth Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst. The name change recognizes Mr. Griffin’s gift and the family’s long-standing connection to the facility.
5. Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Health received a $25 million gift from the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation to support their joint pediatric campus. The $5 billion campus is under construction in Dallas’ Southwestern Medical District across from UT Southwestern’s William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. The facility will include Moody Children’s Hospital, featuring two 12-story towers and one eight-story tower. A specialty outpatient center will include the Harry W. Bass, Jr. Foundation Lobby in recognition of the gift, which was directed through Southwestern Medical Foundation.
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